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Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority as created by Public Law 2023, Chapter 412 is a fifteen member body with the responsibility of advising on the administration of the Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Eleven of the fifteen members are appointed by the Governor and subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters and to confirmation by the Maine State Senate.

Members of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority

  • Benjamin K. Grant - bgrant@maineea.org: Member with expertise in issues affecting labor and independent contractors. Organization: Maine Education Association.
  • David Barber  - David.barber207@icloud.com: Employer with more than 50 employees. Organization: Barber Foods.
  • Vice-Chair Samuel J. Hight  - pfmla.samhight@gmail.com: Member who is self-employed. Organization: Owns and operates multiple organizations including Hight Ford, Inc., Hight Chevrolet Farmington, and Hight Properties, LLC.
  • Christopher K. Washburn - Pfmla.chriswashburn@gmail.com: Expertise in issues related to paid family leave benefits and paid medical leave benefits. Organization: Delhaize America.
  • Michelle Corry  - corrymichelle55@gmail.com: An employer in the hospitality industry. Organization: Five fifty-five.
  • Jay Naliboff, MD  - pfmla.jnaliboff@gmail.com: Expertise in treating issues affecting maternity and postpartum care. Organization: Retired.
  • Jenni Tilton-Flood  - pfmla.jennitiltonflood@gmail.com: Expertise in agriculture, a seasonal workforce or a heritage industry. Organization: Flood Brothers Farm.

  • Sarah Conroy  - pfmla.sarahconroy@gmail.com: Expertise in issues affecting elder care. Organization: Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice.
  • Ranae L’Italiane  - Expertise in childcare and early childhood development. Organization: Kennebec Valley YMCA..
  • Chair Maria Fox - pfmla.mariafox@gmail.com: Expertise in employment law representing employee interests. Organization: Murray, Plumb and Murray.
  • Christina Bonney - tinabonney.pfmla@gmail.com: Employer with less than 50 employees. Organization: Foundation Brewing Company.
  • Kimberly Smith - Deputy Commissioner of Department of Labor.
  • Robert Carey - Superintendent, Bureau of Insurance, Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
  • Douglas Cotnoir - State Controller.
  • Brieanna Gutierrez - representing the Department of Health and Human Services with expertise in foster care and adoption.

 

Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority Meeting Information

PFML Authority Meetings

Next Meeting: September 9, 2025 at 9:00 am

The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority will be meeting to solicit public comments on the experiences of employers and employees with the Paid Family and Medical Leave program and any issues related to paid family leave benefits and paid medical leave benefits. The Authority will be meeting immediately following the public comment period to discuss the feedback and whether it plans to advance any ideas for potential future legislation.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the Maine Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Room, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME 04330. Individuals may attend the meeting either in person or online. To participate online, please visit the Maine Department of Labor Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority webpage for the Zoom videoconference link.

PFML Authority Meeting Videos

 

PFML Authority Meeting Minutes